What Science Class Taught Me About Worship

In elementary school, our science club incubated chicken eggs so we could witness the magic of hatching. One key rule: “Don’t help the chicks hatch.”

The same is true for butterflies breaking free from a chrysalis. Why? The struggle is vital for their growth.

The Hidden Power of Struggle

If you want to see the butterfly fly, let it struggle. This simple truth got me reflecting on worship leadership. Are we sometimes too quick to help, robbing people of their own growth?

Are We Forcing Worship Encounters?

As worship leaders, we can fall into the trap of using our talents and charisma to create powerful moments. But is that true leadership? Does it help people grow, or just entertain them?

What Holds Worshipers Back?

For many, worship isn’t effortless. Congregations struggle with:

• Raising their hands.

• Singing out loud.

• Clapping for more than a moment.

• Pressing deeper into God’s presence.

Why does this tension exist, and how can we help them?

We can try to fill the gaps ourselves:

• Cheer them on: “Come on church, Keep clapping!”

• Set a stronger rhythm for them to follow. (yes please)

• Or best of all: Point them to Someone worth clapping for.

When we guide people toward Jesus, worship shifts from being taught to being caught.

From the inside out.

What If Worship Didn’t Depend on Us?

Great worship experiences often depend on a dynamic leader. But what happens on a quiet Sunday with no special guest? Does the fire still burn?

We need to teach our congregations how to steward their worship—both corporately and personally—so their experience doesn’t rely on us.

The Strength Found in Struggle

When we overuse our gifts, it’s like offering fast food: it satisfies quickly but doesn’t nourish long-term. True worship grows when people struggle through their discomfort, and that awkwardness to seek and find God for themselves.

The best worship leaders make a big deal about Jesus, so people fall in love with Jesus—not with us.

Our Ultimate Role: Friends of the Bridegroom

The Father isn’t looking for polished performances or superstar worship leaders. He’s seeking worshipers. As friends of the Bridegroom, our job is to help the Bride fall deeper in love with Jesus.

We want to present to Him a mature, spotless bride who knows the One who loves her.

Stop trying to help people worship ‘more’, just help them clearly see Jesus and patiently give them a way to respond.

A Christmas song for worship leaders…